Australian singer-songwriter and genre-defying drummer G-Flip is back, and louder, bolder, and queerer than ever. With the release of their third studio album, DR3AM, G-Flip is stepping confidently into a new era of sound, identity, and raw vulnerability. In a recent sit-down exclusive interview with Gayety, they opened up about what this project means, what it was like growing up queer in a Catholic environment, and why embracing their true self has transformed their music, and their life.
A Soundtrack of Self-Discovery
The new album, which G-Flip playfully describes as “very Butch Springsteen,” fuses ‘80s rock energy with pop punk grit and queer anthemic power. One standout track, “Disco Cowgirl,” is a high-energy homage to their love of drums, nostalgic production styles, and the flamboyant sounds of the 1980s.
“I love drums — it’s my first instrument, my thing,” G-Flip said. “I wanted vocal drum moments, lots of reverb, that gated snare Phil Collins style.” True to form, “Disco Cowgirl” even includes a key change and acapella harmonies with real backing vocalists — not layered studio tricks — because G wanted the track to feel authentic to the decade it pays tribute to.
The record, produced with longtime collaborator Aidan, is the result of an intense two-and-a-half-month creative sprint that saw the pair write over 100 songs. “We were writing three to four songs a day. Some of them were horrible — like, laughably bad,” G-Flip joked. “But then some, like ‘Big Old Hammer’ or ‘Exactly What I Like,’ came from us just being silly and messing around. And they made the record.”
Music as Medicine
While DR3AM is sonically playful, it’s also emotionally layered. Songs like “In Another Life” dig into themes of loss, grief, and hope with heartbreaking honesty. “I wrote it with my friend Kay — just three chords and a lot of emotion,” G-Flip shared. “Loss has been a huge part of my life, and I wanted this song to acknowledge that pain but still feel hopeful. Maybe in another life, we’ll be together again.”
That emotional range is one of the most striking aspects of G-Flip’s artistry. They balance rowdy queer anthems with stripped-back soul-searching tracks, reflecting the real-life duality of being a public figure who is both joyful and, at times, deeply vulnerable.
“It’s a powerful song to sing live,” they said. “Even before it was released, I’d sing it and the people in the front row would be crying. It’s about more than just romantic loss — it’s friendship, pets, even the end of a chapter in your life.”
Coming Out in a Catholic World
One of the most moving moments in the conversation was G-Flip’s candid reflection on growing up queer in a Catholic school environment. Despite having an accepting family, their surroundings made coming out difficult.
“I remember this girl at my all-girls Catholic high school came out when I was in Year 7. She was in Year 12, and everyone would whisper, ‘She’s the gay girl.’ I didn’t want that to be me. I remember looking in the mirror and saying, ‘Don’t be a lesbian. Don’t be a lesbian.’”
They laugh about it now saying “If you’re staring at yourself in the mirror saying, ‘Don’t be a lesbian,’ you’re probably a big lesbian,” but the memory still resonates. G-Flip didn’t come out until they were around 20, but when they did, everything changed.
“It was euphoric. It was awesome. And the sex was just so much better,” they said with a grin.
Creative Control and Queer Joy
G-Flip’s hands-on approach to their music is part of what makes it so distinct. They play nearly every instrument on their records, including drums, guitar, piano, and now, saxophone, which they’re learning between interviews.
“I’ve always been that kid who picks up instruments. Never had a singing lesson, started singing at 19. I love being in the studio. If I have 10 minutes in the day, I’m either writing, playing, or learning something.”
Even outside of their solo work, G-Flip loves jumping on stage with other artists, including a recent surprise performance with The Beaches at Coachella. “Before I went solo, I thought I’d just be a session drummer forever. I love collaborating and being on stage. That energy is unmatched.”
The Evolution of G-Flip
As DR3AM launches into the world, it’s clear G-Flip has found their voice — not just musically, but personally. The combination of relentless creativity, deep emotional honesty, and a proudly queer identity makes this record not just an album, but a statement.
“I’ve always wanted to create music that people can dance to, cry to, and scream to,” they said. “Whether you’re going through a loss or just trying to figure yourself out, I hope this album helps you feel seen.”
With this new chapter, G-Flip is proving that being unapologetically yourself isn’t just powerful: it’s punk rock.
